RU2743799C2 - Connector for magazines - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: weapons and ammunition.

SUBSTANCE: magazine connector has a joint surface, on which there is at least one pair of grippers, which enable to engage with corresponding grips of another connector, having identical interface, when joint surfaces of two connectors are engaged by face surfaces and turned relative to each other for alignment with each other. Connector can be implemented in the form of a magazine cover, in the form of a clamp or in other forms. Magazine comprises body, spring, slide provided with feeder, thrust bar with ledge for alignment with corresponding recess of other magazine, magazine cover. Magazine connector can be installed on magazine cover. Method of connection of magazines, which contain conjugated surfaces and grips.

EFFECT: technical result is a wider range of technical equipment.

27 cl, 36 dwg

Description

Cross-reference to related claims

[0001] This application claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,945,224 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,945,223, filed October 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technology area

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for connecting two elements to each other. In particular embodiments, magazine interconnection devices are provided for interconnecting magazines.

State of the art

[0003] Many firearms use a magazine to store and feed ammunition. Magazines are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most commonly used detachable box magazine. The detachable box magazine can be loaded and unloaded when removed from the appropriate firearm. If necessary, the empty magazine can be detached from the firearm and replaced with another loaded magazine.

[0004] A typical box magazine typically includes an outer casing into which cartridges are loaded, a feed mechanism comprising a pressure spring with a feeder, a stop bar, and a magazine box cover. The cartridges are loaded into the magazine above the feeder, compressing the spring. As the cartridges are used, the spring creates an expansion force between the magazine cover / stop bar (depending on the magazine design) and the feeder, raising the cartridges in the magazine and directing them into the firearm.

[0005] When the cartridges in one magazine are used up, the shooter may need to quickly replace the magazine with another loaded magazine, interrupting firing for a short time. Usually the shooter carries additional loaded magazines with him. Additional magazines can be found in the pockets of the bandolier, which is worn either around the waist, or on the shoulder or across the torso, or in an additional container. The shooter must remove the loaded magazine from the place of its storage and fasten it to the firearm after removing the spent magazine. The act of removing a loaded magazine from its storage location may cause an unwanted delay in the use of the firearm.

[0006] To reduce the delay between retrieving an exhausted magazine and attaching a fully loaded magazine, prior arrangements are used to connect two magazines together so that a fully loaded magazine is attached to a docked magazine and is within reach when the magazine is running out of ammo. While there remains a delay in the use of firearms when one magazine is removed and the other is fastened, this design eliminates the additional delay caused by retrieving a loaded magazine from storage, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the use of the firearm.

[0007] Attempts have been made in the past to provide connectivity between two stores. Such attempts, however, have not yielded satisfactory results. In particular, some devices have used a modified base plate having protruding fingers and receiving holes for engaging with opposing fingers of an attached magazine. Such designs required precise placement of these two attachment magazines, with the fingers being able to get stuck and broken. In addition, this method of joining allows only one design of magazines to be used, so that the cartridges in one magazine are aligned in the opposite direction with respect to the second magazine, without allowing a change in the angle between the two magazines. This design may not be optimal for all shooters. Examples of such devices can be found, in particular, in US patent No. 3,191,332, Ardolino.

[0008] Other devices require the magazine to have a protruding base plate or to use a threaded rod to connect the two magazines. Such structures can be difficult to engage and easily damaged by dirt and wear products. Examples of such structures can be found, in particular, in US patent No. 4,685,238, Schoepflin.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a device for connecting two objects to each other, comprising first and second connectors, each of which is attached to one of the members. Each connector includes a mating surface that has a plurality of grips positioned and shaped to engage with each other when two identical mating surfaces are face-engaged and rotated relative to each other to align with each other. In some embodiments, each connector is formed as a magazine box lid adapted to attach to the bottom of each of the two magazines. In some embodiments, the connector is provided as a separate piece attached to the lid of the magazine box. In some embodiments, the connector is formed as a clip that attaches to the outside of the magazine body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the grips are symmetrically positioned such that the two connectors can be attached to each other in one of two opposite alignment patterns. The grips may include an inwardly directed grip and an outwardly directed grip at each of two opposite ends of the connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the grippers are located about a central axis perpendicular to the mating surface. The grippers can be arranged in pairs obliquely to the central axis in relation to each other. At least one pair of grips may comprise inwardly extending grips that have engagement surfaces extending radially outward from a central axis, and at least one pair of grips may comprise outwardly extending grips that have engagement surfaces extending radially outward from a central axis ... The inwardly extending grippers are configured to engage with a corresponding outwardly extending grip through the longitudinal center line of the magazine lid in the first configuration and with a corresponding outwardly extending grip through the transverse center line of the magazine lid in the second configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mating surface comprises peripheral ridge portions jointly extending over half the periphery of the connector such that the peripheral ridge portions of a pair of connected connectors jointly extend along the entire periphery of the interface between said pair of connectors. The mating surface may include a central surface and a pair of outer surfaces, with one outer surface located at each of two opposite ends of the mating surface, with the outer surfaces parallel and offset from the center surface to facilitate alignment of the mating surface with the mating surface of the other connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector comprises a magazine box lid adapted to attach to the bottom of the magazine body. The lid of the magazine box may have an upper surface for abutting against the stop strip of the magazine and a lower surface containing a mating surface. The top and bottom surfaces of the magazine box lid can be angled to each other in the range of 1 to 45 degrees. The magazine box lid may be slidably positioned at the lower end of the magazine body. The lid of the magazine box may comprise horizontally opposed ridges adapted to be received in grooves on the magazine. The magazine box cover can hold the stop bar in the magazine body. The magazine lid may have at least one opening adapted to receive a projection extending from the stop bar for holding the magazine lid on the magazine body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector comprises a clip configured to be fixed to the outside of the magazine body. The clip may comprise a clip body having a first side to abut against the magazine body and a second side containing a mating surface, the clip arm extending from the first side of the clip body at each of two opposite ends of the clip body. The central portion of the clip body may include a thinned region that provides flexibility to the clip body to allow the arms of the clip to retract to wrap around the magazine body. The mating surface may comprise two central peripheral ridge portions, each of which extends partially through the central portion of the mating surface, the central portion of the mating surface being aligned with the central portion of the clip body, so that when the two clip bodies are connected together, they are not flexible. The arms of the clip may include inwardly extending projections at their ends adapted to be received in grooves in the outer portion of the magazine body to facilitate incremental movement of the clip in any of a variety of positions along the length of the magazine body.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a magazine is disclosed comprising a magazine body extending between the upper and lower ends, which has an inner passage extending to an open end on the lower portion of the magazine body, and a feeder slidably disposed in the inner passage of the body store. The store also contains a magazine spring located in the inner passage of the magazine body under the feeder, a stop bar, the dimensions of which allow it to be placed with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the magazine body, and a magazine box cover made with the possibility of placement and sliding movement on the lower part of the body store. The lid of the magazine box contains a mating surface containing a plurality of grips arranged and shaped so as to be able to engage with the corresponding mating surface of the lid of a magazine box of an adjacent magazine when the two lids of the magazine boxes are engaged with their front surfaces and are rotated relative to each other to align with each other one by one. two opposite alignment schemes.

[0016] The magazine body may include grooves extending transversely to the longitudinal axis at a location near its lower end, which are configured to engage with corresponding ridges in the magazine box cover. The stop bar may comprise at least one protrusion extending therefrom, which is adapted to be received in at least one corresponding recess in the lid of the magazine box.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of connecting two magazines is disclosed, comprising mating a mating surface on a bottom surface of a magazine box lid attached to a magazine with a corresponding magazine box lid of an adjacent magazine and rotating the magazine relative to the adjacent magazine to engage the respective grippers extending from each mating surface on the bottom surface of the magazine box cover of the magazine and the adjacent magazine to align with each other in one of two parallel alignment patterns.

[0018] The method may also include sliding engagement of the magazine box cover on the bottom of the magazine body in a direction transverse to the length of the magazine body. The method may also include providing a magazine body extending between the upper and lower ends, which has an inner passage extending to an open end on the lower portion of the magazine body, and sliding the feeder into the inner passage of the magazine body. The method may also include positioning the magazine spring for sliding movement in an inner passage of the magazine body under the feeder and positioning the stop bar for sliding movement in the inner passage of the magazine body under the spring.

[0019] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] In the following figures, embodiments are set forth where like reference numerals indicate like parts. In the accompanying figures, the embodiments are presented by way of example and not in a limiting sense.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a firearm with two attached connected magazines having magazine box lid connectors according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a side view of two connected magazines with the connectors and magazines aligned in the same direction.

[0023] Figure 2A is a side view of two connected magazines with the connectors aligned in one direction and the magazines aligned in opposite directions.

[0024] Figure 3 is a side view of two connected magazines with the connectors aligned in opposite directions.

[0025] Figure 3A is a side view of two connected magazines with the connectors aligned in opposite directions and the magazines aligned in the same direction.

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded view of one store in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4A is an exploded view of one magazine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is an exploded rear view of the store of Figure 4.

[0029] Figure 5A is an exploded rear view of the magazine of Figure 4A.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the magazine of Figure 5 with the magazine box lid unhooked.

[0031] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the magazine of Figure 5A with the magazine box lid unhooked.

[0032] Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the magazine of Figure 5 with the magazine box lid engaged.

[0033] Figure 7A is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the magazine of Figure 5A with the magazine box lid engaged.

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the top of the magazine box cover of Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the top of the magazine box lid of Figure 4A.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the stop bar of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the upper portion of the stop bar of Figure 4A.

[0038] Figure 10 is a side view of the stop bar of Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 10A is a side view of the stop bar of Figure 4A.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the magazine box lid of Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the bottom of the magazine box lid of Figure 4A.

[0042] Figure 11B is a bottom view of a magazine box cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the magazine box cover of Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 13 is a bottom view of the magazine box cover of Figure 4 assuming a position to engage with the second magazine box cover.

[0045] Figure 13A is a bottom view of the magazine box cover of Figure 11B assuming a position to engage with the second magazine box cover.

[0046] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the magazine box cover of Figure 4 fully connected to the second magazine box cover.

[0047] Figure 14A is a bottom view of the magazine box cover of Figure 11B fully connected to the second magazine box cover.

[0048] Figure 15 is a side view of two magazine box lids according to the embodiment of Figure 4 connected together.

[0049] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of the connected magazine box lids of Figure 15.

[0050] Figure 17 shows two magazines connected by clip connectors according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 17A shows two magazines facing in opposite directions, which are interconnected by the clips of Figure 17.

[0052] Figure 17B shows two magazines facing in the same direction, which are interconnected by the clips of Figure 17, with one magazine located vertically and the other in an inverted position.

[0053] Figure 17C shows two magazines facing in opposite directions, which are interconnected by the clamps of Figure 17, with one magazine located vertically and the other in an inverted position.

[0054] Figure 18 separately shows a clip connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figures 19 and 20 show the clip connector of Figure 18 at different angles.

Implementation of the invention

[0056] For simplicity and clarity of explanation, reference signs may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Many details are provided to provide an understanding of the examples presented herein. The examples can be practiced without using these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components are not described in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of the described examples. The description should not be construed as limited to the examples provided in this document.

[0057] The present disclosure provides a device for connecting two elements to each other. Embodiments of the illustrated examples relate to connecting firearms magazines, however, other embodiments may provide connectors for connecting other items. A connector is attached to each mating element, each connector having a mating surface that has a plurality of grips configured to engage securely with the grips of an identical mating surface of another connector to connect the elements to each other. The examples discussed below with reference to Figures 1-16 show a magazine lid connector, and the examples in Figures 17-20 show a clip connector attached to the side of the magazine. In other embodiments, the connector may be in other forms, such as a separate piece adhered or otherwise attached to a magazine or other item, a sleeve enclosing a magazine or other item, or the connector may be incorporated into a magazine body or other item.

[0058] In Figure 1, a firearm with attached connected magazines 10 is generally indicated by 8. Figure 2 shows a side view of the connected magazines 10, and Figure 3 shows an alternative configuration of the connected magazines 10. Alternative configurations of the connected magazines will be described in more detail below. In Figure 1, the upper magazine 20 is fastened to the firearm 8. The lower magazine 22 is not fastened to the firearm 8, but is connected to the upper magazine 20 for later use or storage, as will be described in more detail below. The upper magazine 20 and lower magazine 22 may be the same, but are identified separately to distinguish the fastened upper magazine 20 and the detached lower magazine 22.

[0059] Figure 4 is an exploded side view of one of the magazines 20. As noted above, the lower magazine 22 may be identical to the upper magazine 20. The magazine 20 includes a magazine body 30 having a feed 32, a spring 34, a stop bar 36. and a magazine box cover 38 attached to its bottom. Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 show additional details of various elements of the magazine of Figure 4. Figure 4A shows an exploded side view of the magazine 20, which is substantially similar to the magazine of Figure 4, except that that has alternative configurations of the stop bar 36A and the magazine box cover 38A. Figures 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A and 11A show additional details of various elements of the magazine of Figure 4A. The magazine housing 30 extends respectively between the front and rear ends 60 and 62 corresponding to the front and rear ends of the cartridges 29 that are stored therein. The magazine body 30 contains a box-shaped container extending between the upper and lower ends 42 and 44, respectively, and the first and second sides 70 and 72, respectively, as can be seen from Fig. 5 / 5A, having a cavity 24, as can be seen from Fig. 6 / 6A.

[0060] To assemble the magazine 20, a plurality of cartridges 29 are inserted from the upper end 42, with the feeder 32, the spring 34 and the stop bar 36 inserted in order into the cavity 24 in the magazine body 30 through the hole 31 in its lower end 44, compressing the spring 34. The magazine cover 38, having top and bottom surfaces 92 and 94, respectively, and first and second ends 93 and 95, respectively, is then attached to the magazine body 30, as will be described in more detail below, to hold the feeder 32, the spring 34 and the thrust strip 36. Magazine lid 38 has top and bottom planes 202 and 204 corresponding generally to top and bottom surfaces 92 and 94, respectively, which are separated by a flat connector angle 206, for example in the range of 0 to 90 degrees, more preferably from 1 to 45 degrees, or in some embodiments from 1 to 30 degrees, the purpose of which will be further described below.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 5 / 5A, the magazine box cover 38 / 38A has first and second sides 80 and 82, respectively. As shown in Figure 5 / 5A, the feeder 32, the spring 34 (not shown), and the stop bar 36 / 36A have previously been inserted into the magazine body 30. With a single cartridge 29 in the magazine body 30, the feeder 32 is located near the upper end 42 of the magazine body 30. The stop bar 36 / 36A is located near the lower end 44 of the magazine housing 30. To hold the assembly in place, the magazine box cover 38 / 38A may be attached to the magazine body 30 over the stop bar 36, as will be discussed in more detail below. The lower portion of the magazine box cover 38 / 38A comprises a mating surface adapted to be coupled to another identical mating surface in one of two opposing mating patterns. The magazine box cover 38A of Figure 5A is substantially identical to the magazine box cover 38 of Figure 5, except that the mating surface has a different configuration, as will be shown below with reference to Figures 11A and 11B.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 10 / 10A, a stop bar 36 / 36A extends between front and rear ends 60 and 62, respectively, top and bottom 64 and 66, respectively, and top and bottom surfaces 46 and 48, respectively. The stop bar 36 / 36A has a length and width between the front and rear ends 60 and 62 and a width that is slidably placed in the cavity 24, as shown in Figure 6 / 6A. As shown in Figure 10 / 10A, the stop bar 36 / 36A includes a plurality of protrusions extending from its bottom surface 48. In particular, the front protrusion 52 is located near the front end 60, and the rear protrusion 56 is located near the rear end 62. In addition, the central the protrusion 54 extends from the bottom surface 48 and is midway between the front and rear protrusions 52 and 56. The front and rear protrusions 52 and 56 are generally tapered with a rounded apex, and the central protrusion 54 has a generally frusto-conical shape. having a curved transition between the side 78 of the central protrusion and the end surface 79 of the central protrusion. The purpose of this curved transition will be described in more detail below.

[0063] As best shown in Figures 6 / 6A and 7 / 7A, the length of the magazine body 30 at the lower end 44 extending between the front end 60 and the rear end 62 may exceed the length at the upper end 42, as is well known. An inclined shoulder 100 in the magazine body 30 at the front end 60 reduces the length of the cavity 24 of the magazine body 30 above it. When the stop bar 36 / 36A is positioned in the lower portion of the cavity 24, the positioning rails 102 and 104, as best shown in FIG. 9 / 9A, are positioned to enter a narrower portion of the cavity 24 above the shoulder 100, while the upper edge 106 in front of the stop bar 36 enters a wider lower portion of the cavity 24, preventing the positioning guides 102 and 104 of the stop bar 36 / 36A from moving upward beyond the shoulder 100 in the lower portion of the cavity 24. The stop bar 36 in Figures 9 and 10 differs from the stop bar 36A in Figures 9A and 10A in that the stop bar 36 of Figures 9 and 10 includes another positioning rail 103 at its rear end 62. The magazine body 30 shown in Figure 6 also includes another inclined arm 101 to prevent upward movement of the positioning rail 103 stop bar 36. The stop bar 36 / 36A can move upwardly in the cavity 24 so that the tops of all protrusions 52, 54 and 56 can be completely in the 24 while the magazine box cover 38 / 38A is attached to the magazine body 30, as will be described below.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 5 / 5A, the magazine body 30 has a first groove 74 on a first side 70 near the lower end 44 and a second groove 76 on a second side 72 near the lower end 44. The two grooves 74 and 76 are aligned with each other and extend the entire length of the magazine body 30 from the front end 60 to the rear end 62, as can be seen from Figure 4 / 4A. The purpose of this groove will be described in more detail below.

[0065] Figures 5 / 5A and 8 / 8A best show the top of the magazine box lid 38 / 38A. The tops of the magazine box lids 38 and 38A are substantially the same. On the first and second sides 80 and 82 are first and second vertical walls 84 and 86, respectively, extending upwardly from the upper plane 202. The first vertical wall 84 has a first inwardly facing ridge 88 at its distal end, and the second vertical wall 86 has a second inwardly facing ridge 90 at its distal end. The two walls having inwardly facing ridges are the same size and are mirrored with respect to the centerline 200. The first and second inwardly facing ridges 88 and 90 are positioned so that they can engage the first and second grooves 74 and 76 of the magazine body 30. The first end, middle and second end holes, or passages, 108, 110 and 112, respectively, are located along the center line 200 to correspond to the protrusions on the stop bar 36 / 36A. As shown, the ports 108, 110, and 112 are substantially circular, although it should be understood that other profiles may also be used. In particular, the first end hole 108 is located near the first end 93, the second end hole 112 is located near the second end 95, and the middle hole 110 is located therebetween. The first and second end holes 108 and 112 are sized and positioned to receive the front and rear protrusions 52 and 56, and the middle hole 110 is sized and positioned to receive the central protrusion 54 of the stop bar 36 / 36A. The first and second end holes 108 and 112 are the same size so that each can receive either a front lip 52 or a rear lip 56 to allow the magazine cover 38 / 38A to attach to the magazine body 30 from any direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8 / 8A, the first ridge 114 extends along the centerline 200 from the first end hole 108 to the middle hole 110. The second ridge 116 extends from the second end hole 112 to the middle hole 110. Each of the first and second ridge has a portion decreasing in height towards the first end, middle and second end openings 108, 110 and 112. It should be understood that although ridges are shown in the present embodiments, the first and second ridges 114 and 116 may be omitted, and the lid 38 / 38A of the store boxes can be made such that the material between the bottom plane 204 and the top plane 202 can be solid, with the first end, middle and second end holes 108, 110 and 112 as shown, with the holes tapering to allow engagement of the front, central and rear protrusions 52, 54, 56 of the stop bar 36 / 36A.

[0067] As shown in Figures 6 / 6A and 7 / 7A, the magazine box cover 38 / 38A can be attached to the magazine body 30 starting from either the front end 60 or the rear end 62. Figure 6 / 6A shows the cover 38 / 38A of the magazine box adjacent to the rear end 62 prior to attachment. As discussed above, the magazine box cover 38 / 38A may be positioned such that either the first end 93 or the second end 95 is located near the rear end 62 of the magazine body 30. In particular, Figure 6 / 6A shows the first end 93 near the rear end 62. although the magazine box cover 38 / 38A may be oriented in the opposite direction. For assembly, the first and second inwardly facing ridges 88 and 90 of the magazine lid 38 / 38A are aligned with the first and second grooves 74 and 76 of the magazine body 30, after which the lid 38 / 38A of the magazine is sliding onto the magazine body 30 in the direction indicated generally, arrow 250, parallel to the top plane 202. When the magazine lid 38 / 38A slides into place, the three protrusions 52, 54 and 56 of the stop bar 36 / 36A run over the first and second ridges 114 and 116 of the magazine lid 38 / 38A. boxes, thereby compressing the spring 34 and raising the stop bar 36 / 36A in the cavity 24 of the housing 30 of the store. Since the tops of the openings 108, 110 and 112 are tapered and the projections 52, 54 and 56 also taper, the projections can engage with the openings when a lateral force is applied along the top plane 202 to the magazine lid 38 / 38A as it slides across place on the building of the 30 store. When all of the projections 52, 54, 56 are engaged with all of the openings 108, 110, 112, the magazine lid 38 / 38A is properly aligned and will remain in place until a vertical force is applied to the end surface 79 of the center projection to release it. lugs 52, 54, and 56, and additional lateral force is applied along the top plane 202 to allow the magazine box cover 38 / 38A to be removed. 7 / 7A shows the magazine box cover 38 / 38A fully engaged with the magazine body 30 and stop bar 36 / 36A. It should be understood that when fully loaded with cartridges, the feeder 32 will be positioned lower in the magazine body 30, thereby compressing the spring 34 to apply more force to the stop bar 36 / 36A, while preventing the magazine box cover 38 / 38A from being removed.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 11, 11A, 11B and 12. Figures 11 and 12 show details of the mating surface on the bottom of the magazine lid 38, Figure 11A shows details of the mating surface on the bottom of the lid 38A of the magazine, and Figure 11 11B shows details of the lower portion of the magazine box lid 38B having a different, alternative mating surface. Each magazine box lid 38 / 38A / 38B has a bottom surface 94 in plane 204 containing a mating surface that has a plurality of grips for attaching to an identical mating surface. In the illustrated examples, the grips are symmetrically positioned so that the mating surfaces can be connected to each other in one of two opposite alignment patterns (i.e., either when the first and second ends 93 and 95 of each magazine box lid are respectively adjacent to the first and second ends 93 and 95 of the other magazine lid, or when the first end 93 of one magazine lid abuts the second end 95 of the other magazine lid). As shown in Figures 11B and 12, the center line 200 separates the first and second sides 80 and 82 from each other, and the center line 207 separates the first and second ends 93 and 95 from each other. The mating surface is divided into four sectors: the first sector 208, the second sector 210, the third sector 212 and the fourth sector 214, as shown in Figures 11B and 12. The grippers from the first and second sectors 208 and 210 are rotated 180 degrees around the intersection of the center lines 200 and 207, so that the captures from the first and third sectors 208 and 212 are the same, and the captures in the second and fourth sectors 210 and 214 are the same.

[0069] In each magazine box lid 38 / 38A / 38B, the grippers comprise outwardly directed grippers comprising a first outer projection 120 / 120A / 120B and a second outer projection 122 / 122A / 122B, as well as inwardly directed grippers containing a first outer grip 124 / 124A / 124B and the second outer grip 126 / 126A / 126B. In the first sector 208, the first outer projection 120 / 120A / 120B is spaced from the bottom surface 94, having a gap under it, facing outward towards the first side 80. The second outer projection 122 / 122A / 122B in the third sector 212 is identical to the first outer projection 120 / 120A / 120B taking into account a 180-degree rotation about the intersection of the center lines 200 and 207 and likewise facing outward towards the second side 82. In the second sector 210, the first outer grip 124 / 124A / 124B is distant from the bottom surface 94, forming a gap therewith facing inward and sized and positioned to mate with the first and second outer protrusions 120 / 120A / 120B and 122 / 122A / 122B such that each protrusion or grip is located in an opposite gap. In the fourth sector 214, the second outer grip 126 / 126A / 126B is distant from the bottom surface 94, forming a gap therewith facing the center line 200, and is sized and positioned to mate with the first and second outer protrusions 120 / 120A / 120B and 122 / 122A / 122B such that each protrusion or catch is located in the opposite gap. In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the first and second outer protrusions 120 and 122, as well as the first and second outer grips 124 and 126, are the only grips on the mating surface and are sufficient to lock the mating surface in engagement with another identical mating surface. ... All protrusions and grips are generally made in the form of a vertical wall extending from the bottom surface 94 and having a ridge at the distal end, configured to be inserted into the gap under the ridge of the corresponding protrusion or grip when the two mating surfaces are connected by the face surfaces, as can be seen from Figure 16 and as will be discussed further below.

[0070] In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the peripheral ridge portions 121 and 123 extend along the edges of the mating surface from the first and second outer ridges 120 and 122, respectively, and the peripheral ridge portions 125 and 127 extend along the edges of the mating surface from the first and second outer captures 124 and 126, respectively. These peripheral ridge portions 121, 123, 125 and 127 jointly extend along half of the periphery of the mating surface so that when the two mating surfaces are connected, the peripheral ridge portions of the mating surfaces interact to substantially leave no gaps at the peripheral interface between the two mating surfaces. as best shown in Figure 15.

[0071] In the embodiment of Figures 11A and 11B, in the second sector 210, the first inner projection 130 is spaced from the bottom surface 94, forming a gap therewith, facing outward towards the first side 80. The second inner projection 132 in the fourth sector 214 is similarly distant from the bottom surface 94, forming with it a gap 10, facing outward towards the second side 82. In the first sector 208, the first inner grip 134 is distant from the bottom surface 94, forming a gap therewith facing the center line 200, has dimensions and is located with the ability to mate with the first or second inner protrusions 130 and 132 such that each protrusion or grip is located in the opposite gap. In the third sector 212, the second inner grip 136 is sized and positioned to mate with the first or second inner projections 130 and 132 such that each projection or grip is located in an opposite gap. As can be seen from Figure 11B, an additional first stop 140 extends from the bottom surface 94 in the second sector 210, while an additional second stop 142 extends from the bottom surface 94 in the fourth sector 214. The first stop extends from the bottom surface 94 in the first sector 208 144, which is sized and positioned to contact either the first stop 140 or the second stop 142 when the two magazine box covers 38B are connected together. From the bottom surface 94 in the third sector 212 extends a second stop 146 that is sized and positioned to contact either the first stop 140 or the second stop 142 when the two magazine box covers 38B are connected together. It should be understood that some of the grippers illustrated in the exemplary embodiments are optional, and other configurations may also be used.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, a flat corner 206 of the connector separates the top plane 202 from the bottom plane 204 of the magazine lid 38 / 38A. If the flat angle 206 of the connector is greater than 0 degrees, the distance between the top surface 92 and the bottom surface 94 at the first end 93 is less than at the second end 95 to position the two magazine housings 30 at an angle to each other. The plane angle 206 of the connector can be chosen as desired by the user and, as a non-limiting example, be from 0 to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the flat angle 206 of the connector ranges from 1 to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the flat angle 206 of the connector ranges from 1 to 30 degrees.

[0073] Figures 2, 2A, 3 and 3A show four possible configurations for connecting two magazine box covers, 38U and 38L, to each other. The magazine top cover 38U and the magazine bottom cover 38L may be the same but are identified separately to distinguish the magazine box cover 38U of the fastened top magazine 20 from the magazine bottom cover 38L of the detached lower magazine 22. In Figure 2, the connected magazines 20 and 22 are facing in the same direction, with the two magazine box covers 38U and 38L connected so that the first ends 93 are aligned and the second ends 95 are aligned. The result of this alignment is that the joined magazines 20 and 22 form a substantially curved outer profile. In Figure 2A, the connected magazines 20 and 22 face in opposite directions, with the two magazine box covers 38U and 38L connected so that the first ends 93 are aligned and the second ends 95 are aligned. In Figure 3, the connected magazines 20 and 22 are facing in opposite directions, with the two magazine box covers 38U and 38L connected such that the first end 93 of the top magazine cover 38U is aligned with the second end 95 of the lower magazine cover 38L and the second end 95 of the top the magazine box cover 38U is aligned with the first end 93 of the magazine box bottom cover 38L. The result of the alignment shown in Figure 3 is that the joined magazines 20 and 22 form a substantially rectilinear outer profile. In Figure 3A, the connected magazines 20 and 22 face the same direction, with the two magazine box covers 38U and 38L connected such that the first end 93 of the magazine top cover 38U is aligned with the second end 95 of the lower magazine cover 38L and the second end 95 of the upper the magazine box cover 38U is aligned with the first end 93 of the magazine box bottom cover 38L. The ability to create alternate profiles has the advantage that user preferences are met. As discussed above, the magazine body 30 can be attached to the magazine box cover 38 from any direction, allowing the user to select the relative orientation of the connected magazines 20 and 22. In Figure 2, both magazine bodies 30 are oriented so that both front ends 60 are aligned with the first ends 93 magazine lids 38, although it should be understood that both rear ends 62 of the magazine bodies 30 may be aligned with the first ends 93 of the magazine lids 38, or one front end 60 of one magazine body 30 may be aligned with the first end 93 of this magazine lid 38 while the other front end 60 of the second magazine body 30 can be aligned with the second end 95 of this magazine lid 38, which creates a total of three possible configurations for the first magazine lid connection configuration illustrated in Figure 2. Similarly Figure 3 shows both front ends of 60 cases of 30 magazines aligned with wallpaper the first ends 93 of the magazine lids 38, however, they can also be assembled in other configurations, creating a total of three possible configurations with the second magazine lid connection configuration illustrated in Figure 3.

[0074] To connect the two magazine lids 38 together, the mating surfaces are aligned to face each other at an offset angle, as shown in Figure 13, with the centers of both mating surfaces aligned. The mating surfaces then jointly rotate in the direction indicated generally by arrow 150. Figure 14 shows two mating surfaces locked in an engaged position, best illustrating the engagement of the protrusions and grips described above. To disengage the mating surfaces, turn in the opposite direction and move them apart. Figures 13A and 14A show the connection of two magazine lids 38A to each other, which can be done in the same way as the connection of the lids 38 of the magazine boxes.

[0075] Various methods and materials can be used to make the magazine body 30, feeder 32, stop bar 36 / 36A, and magazine box lid 38 / 38A, such as injection molding, injection molding, or cold stamping.

[0076] Figures 17, 17A, 17B and 17C show two magazines 320 connected together by clip connectors 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As described below, each clip 300 includes a mating surface that may be substantially similar to the mating surface of the magazine lid 38 described above.

[0077] As best shown in Figure 18, the clip 300 includes a clip body 302 having a first side abutting against the magazine body 320 and a second side having a mating surface adapted to connect to another identical mating surface. Clip arms 304 extend from a first side of clip body 302 to engage magazine 320. Each clip arm 304 includes a pair of projections 307 configured to receive grooves 322 on the outside of magazine 320. In some embodiments, magazine 320 has grooves 322 along a substantial portion of its length to allow the clip 300 to move incrementally at multiple positions along the length of the magazine 320. The clip body 302 includes a thinned region 303 at its central portion to allow the clip 300 to flex in the thinned region so that the clip arms 304 can move apart as indicated arrows 305 for attachment to and removal from magazine 320. Each of the peripheral ridge portions 121 and 123 of the mating surface of the clip 300 extends partially through the central portion of the clip body 302 such that when the two clips 300 are connected together as shown in any of Figures 17, 17A, 17B, or 17C, these central peripheral ridge portions 121 and 123 of the engaging mating surfaces prevent the clip body 302 from bending to prevent the clips 300 from separating from the magazines 320.

[0078] The mating surface on the second side of the clip body 302 may be substantially the same as the mating surface of the magazine lid 38 described above in some embodiments. In the example illustrated in Figures 18-20, the mating surface on the second side of the clip body 302 differs slightly from the mating surface of the magazine lid 38 shown in Figures 11 and 12 in that the center surface 310 of the mating surface lies on a parallel plane but is offset from the outer surface 312 at both ends. As best shown in Figure 19, this results in a downward stepped transition 311 between the center surface 310 and the outer surfaces 312 and requires a similar downward stepped transition (not separately referenced) between the first and second outer projections 120 and 122 and adjacent peripheral ridge portions 121 and 123. The difference in level between the center surface 310 and the outer surfaces 312 facilitates alignment of the mating surfaces of the two connectors for interconnection. In some embodiments, the magazine lid connector may have an offset mating surface between the center surface 310 and the outer surfaces 312 shown in FIGS. 18-20.

[0079] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments are to be considered only as illustrative of the invention and not limiting to the invention, the scope of which is defined by the accompanying claims.

[0080] The present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its essence or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (43)

1. A device for connecting one object to another object, containing a connector mounted on the specified object and containing a mating surface on which there is a plurality of grips containing at least one mating pair of grips located and shaped so as to be able to engage with the corresponding grips of the other a connector having an identical mating surface when the mating surfaces of the two connectors are face-engaged and rotated relative to each other to align with each other. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the grippers are symmetrically positioned so that the two connectors can be attached to each other in one of two opposite alignment patterns. 3. The apparatus of claim. 2, wherein the grippers comprise an inwardly directed grip and an outwardly directed gripper at each of two opposite ends of the connector. 4. The device according to claim. 1, in which the grippers are located around a central axis that runs perpendicular to the mating surface. 5. The device according to claim. 4, in which the grippers are located in pairs obliquely to the central axis in relation to each other. 6. The device according to claim 5, in which at least one pair of grips comprises inwardly extending grips that have engagement surfaces extending radially outward from a central axis, and at least one pair of jaws comprises outwardly extending jaws that have engagement surfaces extending radially outwardly from a central axis. 7. The apparatus of claim. 6, wherein the inwardly extending grippers are configured to engage with a corresponding outwardly extending grip through the longitudinal center line of the magazine box lid in the first configuration and with a corresponding outwardly extending grip through the transverse centerline magazine box covers in the second configuration. 8. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the mating surface comprises peripheral ridge portions jointly extending along half of the periphery of the connector so that the peripheral ridge portions of a pair of coupled connectors jointly extend along the entire periphery of the interface between said pair of connectors. 9. The device of claim. 8, wherein the mating surface comprises a central surface and a pair of outer surfaces, wherein one outer surface is located at each of two opposite ends of the mating surface, wherein the outer surfaces are parallel to and offset from the central surface to facilitate alignment of said mating surface with the mating surface of another connector. 10. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, wherein the connector comprises a magazine box cover adapted to be attached to the bottom of the magazine body. 11. The apparatus of claim. 10, wherein the magazine box cover has an upper surface for abutting against a magazine stop bar and a lower surface containing a mating surface. 12. The apparatus of claim. 11, wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the magazine box cover are angled in the range of 1 to 45 degrees. 13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the magazine box cover is slidably positioned at the lower end of the body of each magazine. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magazine box lid comprises horizontally opposed ridges configured to fit into grooves on the magazine. 15. The apparatus of claim. 10, wherein the magazine box cover is configured to retain the stop bar in the magazine body. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the magazine box lid has at least one opening adapted to receive a projection extending from the stop bar for retaining the magazine box lid on the magazine body. 17. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the connector comprises a clip configured to clip to the outside of the magazine body. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the clip comprises a clip body having a first side for abutting against the magazine body and a second side containing a mating surface, wherein the clip arm extends from the first side of the clip body at each of two opposite ends of the clip body. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the central portion of the clip body comprises a thinned region that provides flexibility to the clip body to allow the clip arms to retract to wrap around the magazine body. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the mating surface comprises two central peripheral ridge portions, each of which extends partially through the central portion of the mating surface, the central portion of the mating surface is aligned with the central portion of the clip body so that when the two clip bodies are connected together, they are not flexible. 21. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 18-20, wherein the clamp arms include inwardly extending projections at their ends adapted to be received in grooves in the outside of the magazine body to facilitate incremental movement of the clip in any of a variety of positions along the length of the magazine body. 22. A store containing: a magazine body extending between the upper and lower ends, which has an internal passage that extends to an open end on the lower part of the magazine body; a feeder located with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the store body; a magazine spring located in the inner passage of the magazine body under the feeder; a stop bar, the dimensions of which allow it to be placed with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the store body; and a magazine box cover containing a connector according to claim 1 and configured to be placed and slidably moved on the lower part of the magazine body. 23. A magazine according to claim 22, wherein the magazine body comprises grooves extending transversely to the longitudinal axis at a location located near its lower end, which are configured to engage with corresponding ridges in the magazine box cover. 24. A magazine according to claim 22, wherein the stop bar comprises at least one protrusion extending therefrom, which is configured to be received in at least one corresponding recess in the cover of the magazine box. 25. A method of connecting two stores to each other, including: mating a mating surface on a lower surface of a magazine box cover attached to a magazine with a corresponding magazine box cover of an adjacent magazine; and pivoting the magazine relative to the adjacent magazine to engage respective grips extending from each mating surface on the bottom surface of the magazine box cover of the magazine and the adjacent magazine to align with each other in one of two opposing alignment patterns. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising sliding engagement of the magazine box cover on the bottom of the magazine body in a direction transverse to the length of the magazine body. 27. The method according to claim 25, also including: providing a magazine body extending between the upper and lower ends, in which there is an internal passage that extends to an open end on the lower part of the magazine body; positioning the feeder with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the store body; arrangement of the magazine spring with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the magazine body under the feeder; and location of the stop bar with the possibility of sliding movement in the inner passage of the magazine body under the spring.

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